Convent Schools, Dannevirke

New Zealand Tablet, 28 December 1911, Page 2653

Convent Schools, Dannevirke

The children of the Convent School gave on December 11 an entertainment as a sort of epitome of the year's work. The spacious schoolroom (says the Dannevirke Advocate) was festooned with floral ropes suspended above the temporary stage, and pictures, examples of the pupils' work, adorned the walls of the chamber. The opening number was announced by the first notes of the piano and violin, the performers, Misses Z. Adams, V. Punch, and E. Cotter, being greeted with a hearty round of applause; ' Irish blossoms ' proved to be a dainty arrangement of popular Irish airs, which was given with sprightly spirit, and then came a song and chorus by the senior scholars, ' Where shall we wander?' the flowing melody of which was very tastefully sung. Mis 3 Daly gave a bright rendering of the march from ' Faust,' which met with much appreciation, and then came the ' Crowning of the Angels,' in which eight young ladies, representing Italy, France, Spain, and New Zealand, were each in turn crowned by the fairy queen, after reciting a little poetic speech appropriate to the occasion. The inspiring air of The Holy City,' arranged as an instrumental trio, was given by the Misses M. Bartlett (piano), M. Daly (organ), and E. Cotter (violin), followed by a vocal duet, ' I heard a voice,' which was sweetly sung by-some of the senior scholars. The Japanese umbrella ' was one of the most enjoyable numbers, presented as it was in the costume of the chrysanthemum and sung to the music of the land of the Rising Sun. Miss E. Cotter gave a most creditable rendering of the ambitious composition, 'Romanza,' and was warmly applauded. A company of girls, armed with gold and silver wands, surmounted by stars, went through a series of clever evolutions designated ' Star drill,' followed by quite the most artistic event of the afternoon, the singing by Miss M. Bartlett of Mascagni's ' Ave Maria,' accompanied by Miss Cotter (piano), Miss Daly (organ), and Miss E. Cotter (violin). The 'Gloria' from Mozart's Twelfth Mass was next given with considerable fervor by the Misses E. Cotter (violin), Daly (organ), Z. Adams and M. Lavelle (piano). 'Tell me where is beauty found' was nicely sung. An instrumental duet, ' The mill wheel,' by the Misses McDermott and Cotter, preceded the final number, ' The holidays of the year, a part recitation, in which Father Christmas (Master C. Parker) introduced to the Queen (Miss M. Bartlett) the following characters, who each had something to say: St. Valentine (Miss Flynn), St. Patrick (Miss McDermott), Spring (Miss Adams), Arbor Day (Miss Karaitiana), George V. (Miss K. Frank), and Santa Claus (Miss Lavelle). Appropriate songs were introduced and nicely sung, concluding with the ' Adeste Fideles.' Master Skinner then came forward, and in a clear and distinct voice read an address to the Rev. Father Cahill.

In returning thanks, Rev. Father Cahill pointed out that the programme had been arranged in quite a small way, and consequently the Sisters had decided to invite only the parents of the children to be present. For this course there was good reason. In the first place the school had only been established so short a time that it had not been possible to give the children that measure of training which would warrant a more public display. x Then, too, the pupils, and especially those taking music, had been so hard at work preparing for other examinations, that they had not the energy to enter upon a more elaborate programme, but considering all the circumstances, he thought the performance most creditable, and perhaps there had,been just a; little too much modesty on the part of the Sisters. With regard to the very flattering address which had been presented to him, he desired to say that he naturally felt gratified at the part he had played in promoting the school, and it also afforded him the greatest pleasure to find that his efforts were evidently so highly appreciated. Such a school was wanted in the district, because when they looked around them they saw unrest everywhere. Political unrest, social unrest, industrial unrest, and it was most important that the

children growing up should be taught the principles of true Christianity, the principles of ; justice and thepriuciples of obedience, especially obedience to tfteirl. par-r----ents. The school was doing a great work both spiritually and intellectually, and was a credit alike to the teachers and to the community. He desired, in conclusion, to thank the parents for attending, and the children for their entertainment, which had been in all respects most enjoyable. ." • ~,.*.*..-~-^

Rev. Father Cahill then announced that an exhibition of the children's work would be on view in the high school at the convent, and the majority of the parents adjourned thereto for the purpose of inspecting it. The exhibition consisted of fancy needlework, chip carving, painting, poker work, etc., and was greatly^ admired, both for its artistic nature of the designs "and the'skilfulness of its execution.

The following was the prize-list:—-

SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL.

Christian doctrine, E. Higgins; good conduct P. Cullinane; regular attendance, K. Vaughan;: painting (water colors), E. McDermott; needlework, P. Cullinane; dux of the school, E. Higgins. Standard Vll.—First prize, E. McDermott; second, P. Cullinane; third, K. Vaughan; general progress, V. Punch; diligence,, K. Corbett. Standard V.—Prize for general progress, M. Lavdie. . . -

Kindergarten division.— prize, E. Lavelle; second, I. Nathan; third, M. Somerville. ~:

ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL.

Christian doctrine First division, K. Frank; 2nd, M. Cloherty; 3rd, F: Frank; 4th, D. Cujlina'ne; sth, B. Sullivan. Good conduct— division, T. Cotter and M. McDermott; 2nd division, D. Cullinane and A. Muir. Bible history—A. Skinner and A. Curtis. Regular attendanceM. Cloherty and M. Parkerr Politeness division, A. Skinner and A. Adsett; 2nd division, M. Ordish. Amiability—M. Vaughan. Wood-carving Parker. Needlework Muhleison. Readiness to oblige— division, F. Curtis and E. Scott; 2nd division, E. Lewis. Dux of the school, K. Frank.

- Standard Vl. prize, H. Parker; 2nd, M. McDermott; 3rd, C. Parker; diligence, L. Morah. Standard V.First prize, M. Cloherty; 2nd, T. Cotter; 3rd, I. Muhleison. - • ?, -,,. Standard IV.—First prize, F. Frank and M. Frost; 2nd, R. Cullinane; 3rd, O. Houlahan; diligence, R. Muir. ";:"■" f;!' ; : * ■•-f*v\«

t Standard lll.—First prize, M. Parker; 2nd, D. Cullinane; 3rd, G. Lissington; diligence, T. Moynihan. Standard ll. —First prize, M. Burr; 2nd, T. Garrett; 3rd, M. Allardice. :-: ' '

Standard I.—First prize, H. Karaitiana; 2nd, D. Flinn; 3rd, Eunice Frost. "■:-